3 T Training Tool: FP Balloon™

FP Balloon™ is part of the 3 Ts Training Tools for demonstration, teaching and practice of mouse handling and restraint, and rodent intra-peritoneal and subcutaneous injection. The 3 Ts is a method used to provide training to individuals working with animals in research, testing and teaching settings. The 3 Ts incorporate simple, inexpensive, and effective hand-crafted tools to teach and encourage practice of non-surgical and surgical procedures, prior to conducting similar training and practice on live animals.

More information about Translational Training Tools™ here.

FP Balloon™ consists of two layers of balloon filled with a spongy substance. The outside layer of the balloon mimics the skin and the inside layer of the balloon represents the tissues surrounding the body cavity. Practice these skills with non-dominant hand, in preparation for performing manipulations such as injections, which will occupy the dominant hand. This practice may be done first without gloves so that dexterity is not compromised to any degree. When comfortable with the procedure without glove, the trainee then practices the procedure while wearing gloves. Advance to handling live mice.

Ingredients:

•  2 - 12” balloons 
• 1 - Container of 3“ Fart Putty® (FP) or a similar product **
• 1 - 5 cm piece of 6 mm width pipe cleaner

Instructions:

1. Fill one balloon with the FP or a similar substance
2. Tie off the FP-filled balloon leaving a moderate degree of laxity to the balloon
3. Insert the FP-filled balloon into the second balloon.
4. Tie off the outer balloon leaving a moderate degree of laxity to the balloon

• Optional Step: After completing step 3, insert the pipe cleaner piece between the two layers of balloon. Orient the pipe cleaner piece longitudinally. The pipe cleaner is intended to mimic the spinal vertebrae.
• Use 2 contrasting colored balloons if using the FP BalloonTM for surgery practice.
• Some people find it challenging to hold the mouth of the balloon open with the fingers. Note that the use of an elastrator can assist in holding open the balloon. 

3 Ts Training Tools consists of the following products: 

• FP Balloon™
  • IM Foosbun™ 
• Venipuncture Tools:
  • Tube Tail™ (venipuncture of the lateral tail vein)
  • Spongy Bunear™ (venipuncture of the rabbit marginal ear vein)
  • Ear Piggy Piggy™ (venipuncture of the marginal ear vein of pigs)
  • Cephalic Tube™ (venipuncture of the canine or feline cephalic vein)
• Cardiac Balloon™ (cardiac-puncture blood collection in rodents)
• CD Mouse™ (validation of competency of cervical dislocation euthanasia in rodents)
• Pink E. D. Cap™ (validation of competency of decapitation euthanasia of neonatal mice)

Read more in The Joy of Training Cookbook, Volume 1: (Recipies for crafting your own purpose-specific training tools for non-surgical procedures), p.11-16, p.54-56.

For more information, please contact Dr. Wendy Williams.

For other uses of the FP Balloon™, please see The Joy of Training Cookbook, Volume 2: (Recipies for crafting your own purpose-specific training tools for surgery practice), PART II: Aseptic Technique Training, Practice and Assessment. 

Please see Dexterity Tools™ and Exercises from Volume 2:

1. Macro Dexterity Tools™:

1. 1. Bead Board™
   2. Neuter Board™
   3. Tissue Board™
   4. Nail Board™
   5. Cutting Ring™